Apparatus for preventing scale deposits and removing contaminants from fluid columns

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing magnetic fluid treatment is described. The apparatus includes a serial coupling of conduit segments forming a conduit. At least two of the conduit segments are constructed of a magnetically conductive material and at least one of the conduit segments is constructed of a non-magnetically conductive material and positioned in between the conduit segments constructed of the magnetically conductive material to establish a non-magnetically conductive region. At least one electrical conductor encircles at least a section of the outer surface of the serial coupling of conduit segments. Energizing the electrical conductor establishes a magnetic field having lines of flux directed along a flow path of the conduit and concentrated in the non-magnetically conductive region of the conduit.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present patent application is a continuation of a patent applicationidentified by U.S. Ser. No. 14/319,824, filed on Jun. 30, 2014, stillpending, which is a divisional of the patent application identified byU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/317,628, filed Oct. 22, 2011, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,778,177, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.No. 12/655,196, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,511, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/215,745, which issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,048,313, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No.11/054,131, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,589, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In addition, the disclosed concepts contained in paragraphs 85-92,135-139, and 144-186 and figures referred to thereby of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/924,163 filed Jun. 21, 2013, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,784,667, are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to a method and apparatus for treatingfluid columns to prevent the formation of scale and other flowrestricting deposits within conduits utilized in the transmission offluids. The instant method and apparatus may also be utilized to extractdeposits from the surfaces of conduits and other components of fluidtransmission systems, accelerate the separation of contaminants from afluid and reduce the amount of chemicals required for the maintenance,treatment and processing of many fluids. The instant invention alsoprovides for the separation of contaminants and other components thatcomprise a fluid column receptive to magnetic treatment.

Thermal exchange systems comprising components such as boilers, heatexchangers and cooling towers utilize water as a heat transfer medium.Suspended and dissolved minerals precipitate out of the water andaccumulate as deposits of scale on the surfaces of thermal exchangesystem components and restrict the flow of water, act as insulation thatinhibits heat transfer from one surface to another, impede the operationof equipment and increase energy consumption as the fouled systems loseefficiency and labor to meet operational parameters. Fouled heatexchange systems must undergo descaling processes to recover lostproductivity and reduce energy consumption at a significant expense, notonly for the cost of cleaning system components but also for lostproductivity while a facility is out of service as the fouled thermalexchange system is descaled. Chemical treatment is a common means ofcontrolling scale, corrosion, algae, bacteria and other biologicalcontaminants in thermal exchange systems and is also commonly used toremove suspended or dissolved solid contaminants from process water,make-up water, industrial storm water and wastewater. Utilization ofchemicals is costly, requires the storage, handling and dispensing ofdangerous substances and poses increasing environmental concerns. Aschemicals, minerals and other contaminants accumulate in thermalexchange systems, the water becomes unsuitable for continued use and afresh supply of water is required for the ongoing operation of suchsystems. Contaminant laden water from such systems typically incurslarge surcharges for wastewater disposal due to the treatment needed torender the water suitable for discharge into the environment.

In petroleum production, water, paraffin and minerals entrained inpetroleum production fluids extracted from oil producing formations areseparated from marketable oil by bulk recovery apparatus. Waterextracted from crude oil is typically returned to the formation whilerecovered petroleum containing residual amounts of water andcontaminants is transported to a refinery for processing intocommodities. Over time, deposits of scale and other contaminants formwithin the separation equipment used to remove water from oil, conduitsutilized to return water to the formation and pipelines used totransport crude oil to a refinery; resulting in restricted fluid flow,limited capacity of fluid transmission systems and the deterioration ofpumps, valves, meters and other equipment. Productivity is lost whencostly physical cleaning and chemical remediation are required torestore full flow to petroleum production and transmission systems.Refineries, as well as other industrial complexes, are constantlychallenged with remediation of hydrocarbon contaminants that migrateinto storm water and wastewater systems.

The use of magnetic flux to treat fluid columns is one alternative tochemical treatment of fluids. However, prior art magnetic fieldgenerators are challenged by a number of deficiencies.

One type of prior art magnetic field generator utilizes a fixed array ofrare earth magnets proximate the flow path of a fluid to provide fluidtreatment. A primary factor in achieving effective treatment with suchdevices is matching a constant velocity of a fluid to be treated to theconfiguration of the magnets and diameter of the flow path extendingthrough the array of magnets. If the velocity of the fluid fails tomatch the configuration of the permanent magnets, such prior art devicestypically fail to provide effective fluid treatment.

Another type of prior art magnetic field generator is an electromagnetformed by coiling a length of wire around a conduit and energizing thecoiled wire with a supply of electrical power to generate a magneticfield. A basic principal of electromagnetic field generation states thestrength of the magnetic field is proportional to the number of turns ofwire forming the coil multiplied by the amount of electrical current, oramperage, flowing through to the coil; this is commonly referred to asthe amp-turns of the device. Magnetic energy generated by such devicesis commonly measured in Tesla or gauss units. Magnetic fluid treatmentis typically most effective when high levels of gauss are generated byincreasing the supply of voltage to the coil so more current flowsthrough the coil, increasing the number of turns in the coil orincreasing both the number of turns in the coil and the voltage suppliedto the coil. However, electrically energized coils generate heat, andthe generation and retention of heat produced by the energized coil ofan electromagnet has been a major limitation in the development of priorart devices attempting to generate high gauss for fluid treatment.

Heat generated by an energized coil and the accompanying heat retentionof the coil increase its resistance to the flow of current through thecoil of wire and effectively reduces gauss generation. Heat retentioncommonly leads to the failure of prior art electromagnet devices when anoverheated coil melts and creates a short circuit generating littlemagnetic energy, or separates and creates an open circuit generating nomagnetic energy. In many instances, prior art apparatus attempt toreduce heat generation by reducing the amount of voltage used toenergize their coils. However, reducing the voltage and the associatedflow of current through a coil results in fewer amp-turns of a prior artdevice, resulting in substantially lower gauss generation. The lowstrength of the magnetic energy provided by such devices typicallyresults in ineffective fluid treatment.

Another prior art method and apparatus use a length of wire coiledaround the outer surface of a pipe to form an antenna that is thenenergized with electrical energy switched on and off at a frequency of 2kHz-20 kHz in an effort to replace chemical treatment, but arechallenged by a number of deficiencies. Energizing an antenna withelectrical energy continuously switched on and off at a frequency of 2kHz-20 kHz generates a signal that radiates from the coiled wire, andbecause the signal radiates from the antenna only a limited area of theflow channel within the pipe receives the signal. Prior art apparatusattempt to treat pipes greater than 1″ in diameter by amplifying theirsignals to treat broader cross sections within larger pipes.Amplification merely results in the signal radiating farther from thecoiled wire and typically fails to treat a broader cross section withina large diameter conduit. Further, such prior art devices fail to shieldthe signals they generate and are susceptible to interference fromstronger signals of other devices that can limit the efficiency of thefluid treatment they provide. The unshielded signals of prior artdevices also radiate from the coil and may interfere with radiocontrolled devices, such as apparatus utilized in telemetering data andequipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,706,196, 6,730,205, 6,852,235 and 7,407,589 and U.S.Patent Application No. 20080264869 disclose fluid treatment methods andapparatus utilizing magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality ofdistinct areas along a fluid flow path. The synergy of concentratedmagnetic energy in concert with methods and apparatus of pulsed fluidtreatment providing at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment withina fluid treatment chamber has been discovered to improve a wide varietyof fluid treatment applications.

The instant invention includes a method of providing fluid treatmentcomprising the steps of directing a flow of a feed stream to be treatedthrough a magnetically energized conduit providing magnetic energyconcentrated in a plurality of distinct areas, directing the flow offluid to pass through a fluid treatment vessel providing at least oneregion of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber andcoupling the magnetically energized conduit with the fluid treatmentvessel for fluid flow between them.

The instant method of magnetic field treatment comprises providing amagnetically conductive conduit, said magnetically conductive conduitcomprising at least one length of magnetically conductive material andhaving a port at the proximal end of the conduit and a port at thedistal end of the conduit, each length of magnetically conductivematerial defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surfaceand an outer surface and having a port at one end of the length ofmagnetically conductive material and a port at the other end of thelength of magnetically conductive material; providing at least onenon-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit, each fluid flow conduitcomprising a length of non-magnetically conductive material defining afluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having inlet and outlet ports; providing an electricalconductor, said electrical conductor comprising at least one length ofan electrical conducting material having a first conductor lead and asecond conductor lead; coiling the electrical conductor with at leastone turn to form at least one uninterrupted coil of electricalconductor, each coil forming at least one layer of coiled electricalconductor; providing means for sleeving the magnetically conductiveconduit within the coiled electrical conductor, whereby at least oneturn of electrical conductor encircles at least a section of the outersurface of said magnetically conductive conduit; and providing means fordeploying the at least one fluid flow conduit proximate the magneticallyconductive conduit to promote a flow of a fluid to be treated throughthe magnetically conductive conduit.

The instant method of magnetic field treatment further comprisesconnecting the conductor leads of the coiled electrical conductor to atleast one electrical power supply, said at least one electrical powersupply having a capacity to energize the coiled electrical conductor andproduce a magnetic field having energy substantially confined within theboundary wall of the magnetically conductive conduit, said magneticfield extending beyond each end of said magnetically conductive conduitand having energy concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas alongthe longitudinal axis of the magnetically energized conduit; introducinga feed stream comprising a fluid column receptive to magnetic treatmentto the inlet port of the at least one fluid flow conduit to establish aflow of a fluid to be treated through the port at the proximal end ofthe magnetically energized conduit; directing the flow to pass throughthe plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy; anddischarging the feed stream exiting from the port at the distal end ofthe magnetically energized conduit a processed fluid.

The instant method of pulsed fluid treatment comprises providing a fluidtreatment vessel defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an innersurface and having a fluid input port and a fluid output port, the innersurface of said fluid impervious boundary wall establishing a fluidtreatment chamber; providing at least one transducer to direct pulsedfluid treatment proximate at least one distinct region within the fluidtreatment chamber, said at least one transducer having a first conductorlead and a second conductor lead; providing at least one electricalenergizing unit having a capacity to produce at least one distinctprogrammable output of electrical energy continuously switched on andoff at a pulsed repetition rate to establish at least one pulsedelectrical signal; providing at least one shielding material member, atleast one shielding material member each having a capacity to restrictradiation of the at least one pulsed electrical signal, said at leastone shielding material member further reducing external interferencewith said at least one pulsed electrical signal; providing means fordeploying the at least one transducer within the fluid treatmentchamber; providing means for deploying the at least one shieldingmaterial member to restrict propagation of the at least one pulsedelectrical signal.

The instant method of pulsed fluid treatment further comprisesconnecting the conductor leads of the at least one transducer to the atleast one electrical energizing unit to energize said at least onetransducer with at least one pulsed electrical signal and therebyproduce pulsed fluid treatment proximate at least one distinct regionwithin the fluid treatment chamber; introducing a feed stream comprisinga fluid column receptive to pulsed fluid treatment to the fluid inletport of the fluid treatment vessel to establish a flow of the fluid tobe treated through the fluid treatment chamber; directing the fluid topass through the at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment; anddischarging the feed stream exiting from the fluid outlet port of thefluid treatment vessel as a processed fluid.

The instant method of providing fluid treatment further comprisescoupling the magnetically energized conduit with the fluid treatmentvessel for fluid flow between them. The fluid column to be treated maypass through the fluid treatment vessel prior to passing through themagnetically energized conduit, whereby the feed stream is directed topass through at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment prior topassing through the plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magneticenergy. The instant method may include one or more of the steps ofdispersing a supply of at least one fluid treatment chemical into thefeed stream, directing the feed steam to pass through at least onecontaminant separation process or directing the feed steam to passthrough at least one fluid flow conditioning process.

The means of energizing the coiled electrical conductor, along with therepetition rate, wavelength, amplitude and direction of the at least onepulsed electrical signal, may be adjusted to treat a variety of fluids.The instant invention may be utilized to improve the efficiency ofapparatus utilized in solid/liquid phase separation or liquid/liquidseparation, such as oil/water separation, and may also be effective incontrolling and eliminating many biological contaminants. The instantinvention typically will not over treat or under treat a feedstock,requires little monitoring or adjustment for effective fluid treatmentand may be utilized in either single pass and/or closed-loop fluidtransmission systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the preferred embodiments of theinvention in which:

FIG. 1 is a first configuration of the instant invention;

FIG. 1A is a second configuration of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A show embodiments of fluid flow conduits promoting theflow of fluid through a magnetically conductive conduit;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A show embodiments of fluid flow conduits promoting theflow of fluid through a serial coupling of conduit segments; and

FIGS. 4 and 4A show embodiments of transducers disposed within andoutside the fluid treatment chamber of a fluid treatment vessel.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of pulsed magnetic flux loops encircling a lengthof magnetically energized conduit;

FIG. 6 shows a non-contiguous array of magnetically conductive conduitssleeving a non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit configured toprovide pulsed magnetic fluid treatment at a plurality of distinctpoints;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a first magnetically conductive conduitadapted to sleeve a second magnetically conductive conduit;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a first magnetically conductive conduitadapted to sleeve non-contiguous array of magnetically conductiveconduits;

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of a first magnetically conductive conduitadapted to sleeve a serial coupling of conduit segments;

FIG. 8 shows a second magnetically conductive conduit being inserted ina first magnetically conductive conduit;

FIG. 9 shows a magnetically conductive nucleus disposed within theaperture of the non-magnetically conductive conduit a serial coupling ofconduit segments; and

FIG. 10 shows a magnetically conductive nucleus disposed within theaperture of a non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit sleeved byexploded first and second magnetically conductive conduits.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The instant invention includes an apparatus providing fluid treatmentcomprising a magnetic field treatment device providing magnetic energyconcentrated in a plurality of distinct areas, a pulsed fluid treatmentdevice providing at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment and meansfor coupling the magnetic field treatment device and the pulsed fluidtreatment device for fluid flow between them.

The instant magnetic field treatment device comprises a magneticallyconductive conduit, said magnetically conductive conduit comprising atleast one length of magnetically conductive material and having a portat the proximal end of the conduit and a port at the distal end of theconduit, each length of magnetically conductive material defining afluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having a port at one end of the length of magneticallyconductive material and a port at the other end of the length ofmagnetically conductive material; at least one non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit, each fluid flow conduit comprising alength of non-magnetically conductive material defining a fluidimpervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outer surface andhaving inlet and outlet ports; an electrical conductor comprising atleast one length of an electrical conducting material having a firstconductor lead and a second conductor lead, said electrical conductorcoiled with at least one turn to form at least one uninterrupted coil ofelectrical conductor, each coil forming at least one layer of coiledelectrical conductor; means for sleeving the magnetically conductiveconduit within the coiled electrical conductor, whereby at least oneturn of electrical conductor encircles at least a section of the outersurface of said magnetically conductive conduit; means for deploying theat least one non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit proximatethe magnetically conductive conduit to promote a flow of a fluid to betreated through the magnetically conductive conduit; and at least oneelectrical power supply having a capacity to energize the coiledelectrical conductor and produce a magnetic field having energysubstantially confined within the boundary wall of the magneticallyconductive conduit, said magnetic field extending beyond each end ofsaid magnetically conductive conduit and having energy concentrated in aplurality of distinct areas along the longitudinal axis of themagnetically energized conduit.

The instant pulsed fluid treatment device comprises a fluid treatmentvessel defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surfaceand having a fluid input port and a fluid output port, the inner surfaceof said fluid impervious boundary wall establishing a fluid treatmentchamber; at least one transducer to direct pulsed fluid treatmentproximate at least one distinct region within the fluid treatmentchamber, said at least one transducer having a first conductor lead anda second conductor lead; means for deploying the at least one transducerwithin the fluid treatment chamber; at least one electrical energizingunit coupled to the at least one transducer, said at least oneelectrical energizing unit providing at least one distinct programmableoutput of electrical energy continuously switched on and off at a pulsedrepetition rate to establish at least one pulsed electrical signal toenergize the at least one transducer and thereby produce pulsed fluidtreatment; at least one shielding material member, each at least oneshielding material member having a capacity to restrict radiation of theat least one pulsed electrical signal, said at least one shieldingmaterial member further reducing external interference with said atleast one pulsed electrical signal; and means for deploying the at leastone shielding material member to restrict propagation of the at leastone pulsed electrical signal.

FIG. 1 is a first configuration of the instant invention wherein amagnetic field treatment device is shown coupled to a pulsed fluidtreatment device for fluid flow between them. A feed stream receptive tofluid treatment introduced to port 1 may be directed to pass through aplurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy provided bymagnetic field treatment device 2 and then pass through at least oneregion of pulsed fluid treatment provided by pulsed fluid treatmentdevice 3 before being discharged from port 4 as a processed fluid.

A feed stream receptive to fluid treatment may be directed to make asingle pass through the magnetic field treatment device and a singlepass through the pulsed fluid treatment device, or a processed fluid maybe directed to make an additional pass through both treatment devices.Further, a processed fluid may be directed to make an additional passthrough the magnetic field treatment device or the pulsed fluidtreatment device to receive additional fluid treatment.

In some applications, a feed stream may be directed to pass through themagnetic field treatment device and the pulsed fluid treatment device asa continuous flow of fluid, but in other instances a feed stream may bedirected to flow through the magnetic field treatment device and into anembodiment of the fluid treatment vessel comprising a collection basin,settling tank, retention pond or similar type of reservoir to allow forgravity separation of suspended and dissolved solids in the feed streamprior to discharging the processed fluid from said fluid treatmentvessel. At least one transducer may be deployed within the fluidtreatment chamber of this embodiment of the fluid treatment vessel todirect pulsed fluid treatment to fluid retained within said reservoir.

Further, at least one chemical dispersing apparatus may be configured todistribute a supply of at least one fluid treatment chemical into a feedstream, at least one contaminant separation apparatus may be configuredto separate and collect contaminants or at least one fluid flowconditioning apparatus providing means for altering the flow of a fluidmay be configured upstream of the magnetic field treatment device,downstream of the magnetic field treatment device, upstream of thepulsed fluid treatment device or downstream of the pulsed fluidtreatment device.

FIG. 1A shows a second configuration of the instant invention whereinmeans for coupling the magnetic field treatment device and the pulsedfluid treatment device directs a feed stream to pass through at leastone region of pulsed fluid treatment prior passing through the pluralityof distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy.

A feed stream receptive to fluid treatment introduced to port 5 may bedirected to pass through at least one distinct region of pulsed fluidtreatment within fluid treatment vessel 6. First and second conductorleads 12 of a transducer disposed in the fluid treatment vessel areshown connected to electrical energizing unit 14. Shielding materialmember 16 is shown enclosing the fluid treatment vessel, conductor leadsand electrical energizing unit to restrict propagation of the at leastone pulsed electrical signal.

The fluid column may then be directed to pass through magnetic energyconcentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along the longitudinalaxis of magnetically energized conduit 7. First and second conductorleads 11 of a coiled electrical conductor sleeving at least a section ofthe magnetically conductive conduit are shown connected to electricalpower supply 13 having a capacity to energize the coiled electricalconductor and establish a magnetic field having lines of flux directedalong the flow path of the fluid and concentrated in a plurality ofdistinct areas along the longitudinal axis of the magnetically energizedconduit. The lines of flux form a loop and the magnetic field is of astrength that allows the flux to extend along the longitudinal axis ofthe magnetically conductive conduit and concentrate at distinct pointsbeyond each end of the magnetically conductive conduit such that themagnetic flux loop extends from a point beyond the proximal end of themagnetically energized conduit, around the periphery of the coiledelectrical conductor along the longitudinal axis of the magneticallyenergized conduit and to a point beyond the distal end of themagnetically energized conduit.

An enclosure may be utilized to protect at least the coiled electricalconductor. Housing 15 comprising a magnetically conductive material isshown enclosing magnetically energized conduit 7 to restrict thepropagation of the lines of flux and the magnetic field generated by theenergized coil and the magnetically energized conduit. The processedfluid may then be discharged from port 8 in a single pass application ordirected to containment vessel 9 of a closed-loop system to allow foradditional circulation through the fluid treatment devices. A processedfluid may also be directed to collection basin 10 for additionalprocessing of the fluid.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the magnetically conductive conduit10 comprising a length of magnetically conductive material defining afluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having port 10 a at the proximal end of the conduit and port10 b at the distal end of the conduit. A single length of electricalconducting material is shown forming first coil layer 33 and secondlayer 34 encircling the outer surface of the magnetically conductiveconduit with non-magnetic stabilizer 35 shown disposed between the coillayers. Conductor leads 33 a and 34 a may be connected to at least onesupply of electrical power to energize the coiled electrical conductorand establish a magnetic field having lines of flux directed along theflow path of the fluid and concentrated in a plurality of distinct areasalong the longitudinal axis of the magnetically energized conduit.

Introducing a feed stream to port 30 a directs fluid to pass through afirst area of magnetic treatment concentrated at port 30 a at theproximal end of the magnetically energized conduit. The fluid may thenpass through a second area of magnetic treatment concentrated along apath extending through at least one turn of electrical conductingmaterial forming the first and second coil layers encircling the outersurface of the magnetically conductive conduit and then pass through athird area of magnetic treatment concentrated at port 30 b at the distalend of the magnetically energized conduit.

Coupling segment 20 is a first embodiment of a non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit to promote a flow of fluid through themagnetically energized conduit, said coupling segment comprising anon-magnetically conductive material defining a fluid imperviousboundary wall with an inner surface and an outer surface and havinginlet port 20 a and outlet port 20 b. Outlet port 20 b may be adapted toprovide for the fluid impervious connection with port 30 a ofmagnetically energized conduit 30, and inlet port 20 a may be adapted toprovide for the fluid impervious, non-contiguous connection of themagnetically energized conduit with an additional segment of conduit,said non-contiguous connection establishing a non-magneticallyconductive region providing for a concentration of magnetic energy atinlet port 30 a of the magnetically energized conduit. Further, thenon-contiguous connection between the magnetically energized conduit andan additional segment of magnetically conductive conduit establishes anon-magnetically conductive region providing for an increasedconcentration of magnetic energy in the space between the magneticallyconductive conduits. An additional non-magnetically conductive couplingsegment may similarly provide for the connection of port 30 b of themagnetically energized conduit with an additional segment of conduit.

Non-magnetically conductive conduit 21 is a second embodiment of anon-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit to promote a flow offluid through the magnetically energized conduit, said fluid flowconduit comprising a non-magnetically conductive material defining afluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having port 21 a adapted to provide for the fluid imperviousconnection of said fluid flow conduit with port 30 a of magneticallyenergized conduit 30, whereby said connection establishes anon-magnetically conductive region providing for a concentration ofmagnetic energy at port 30 a of the magnetically energized conduit. Anadditional segment of non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit maysimilarly be adapted to provide a fluid impervious connection with port30 b of the magnetically energized conduit.

FIG. 2A shows a first length of electrical conducting material formingcoil layer 33 and a second length of electrical conducting materialforming coil layer 34 encircling magnetically conductive conduit 30.Non-magnetic stabilizer 35 is shown disposed between the layers ofelectrical conducting material to maintain the alignment of thecoaxially disposed coil layers. First conductor lead 33 a and secondconductor lead 33 b of the first coil layer and first conductor lead 34a and second conductor lead 34 b of the second coil layer may beconnected in series to at least one supply of electrical power, orconnected in parallel to at least one supply of electrical power, toenergize the coiled electrical conductors and establish a magnetic fieldhaving lines of flux directed along the flow path of the fluid andconcentrated in a plurality of distinct areas along the longitudinalaxis of the magnetically energized conduit.

Further, the first and second conductor leads of the first length ofelectrical conducting material may be connected to a first at least onesupply of electrical power and the first and second conductor leads ofthe second length of electrical conducting material may be connected toa second at least one supply of electrical power to energize the coils.

Fluid flow conduit 22 is a third embodiment of a non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit to promote a flow of fluid through themagnetically conductive conduit, said fluid flow conduit defining asection of conduit within a piping system comprising a non-magneticallyconductive material sleeved within port 30 a at the proximal end of themagnetically energized conduit, the boundary wall of magneticallyconductive conduit 30 and port 30 b at the distal end of themagnetically energized conduit, said fluid flow conduit comprising alength of non-magnetically conductive material defining a fluidimpervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outer surface andhaving inlet and outlet ports.

Introducing a feed stream to the inlet port of fluid flow conduit 22directs fluid to pass through a first area of magnetic treatmentconcentrated at port 30 a at the proximal end of magnetically energizedconduit 30, through a second area of magnetic treatment concentratedalong a path extending through each turn of electrical conductingmaterial encircling the outer surface of the magnetically conductiveconduit and then pass through a third area of magnetic treatmentconcentrated at port 30 b at the distal end of the magneticallyenergized conduit.

A non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit may also be sleevedwithin a second embodiment of the magnetically conductive conduitcomprising a non-contiguous array of a first segment of magneticallyconductive conduit and a second segment of magnetically conductiveconduit, whereby a space between the port at the distal end of the firstsegment of magnetically conductive conduit and the port at the proximalend of the second segment of magnetically conductive conduit establishesa non-magnetically conductive region between the magnetically conductiveconduit segments. The non-magnetically conductive region between themagnetically conductive conduit segments provides for a concentration ofmagnetic energy in the space between the segments of magneticallyconductive conduit. A spacer may be used to maintain thenon-magnetically conductive region between the magnetically conductiveconduit segments, said spacer comprising a non-magnetically conductivematerial disposed between the magnetically conductive conduit segments.

A third embodiment of the magnetically conductive conduit may comprise aserial coupling of a magnetically conductive inlet conduit segment, anon-magnetically conductive intermediate conduit segment and amagnetically conductive outlet conduit segment, each conduit segmentcomprising a length of material defining a fluid impervious boundarywall with an inner surface and an outer surface and having a port at theproximal end of the conduit segment and a port at the distal end of theconduit segment. The serial coupling of magnetically conductive inletconduit segment 30, non-magnetically conductive intermediate conduitsegment 31 and magnetically conductive outlet conduit segment 32 shownin FIG. 3 establishes a non-magnetically conductive region between themagnetically conductive conduit segments that provides for aconcentration of magnetic energy in the area between the distal port ofthe magnetically conductive inlet conduit segment and the proximal portof the magnetically conductive outlet conduit segment conduit that isgreater than the magnetic energy concentrated at the proximal port ofthe magnetically conductive inlet conduit segment and the distal port ofthe magnetically conductive outlet conduit segment conduit.

A single length of electrical conducting material is shown forming firstcoil layer 33 and second coil layer 34 encircling magneticallyconductive inlet conduit segment 30, non-magnetically conductiveintermediate conduit segment 31 and magnetically conductive outletconduit segment 32. Non-magnetic stabilizer 35 is shown disposed betweenthe coil layers to maintain the alignment of the coaxially disposed coillayers. First conductor lead 33 a and second conductor lead 34 a may beconnected to at least one supply of electrical power to energize thecoiled electrical conductor and establish a magnetic field having linesof flux directed along the flow path of the fluid and concentrated in aplurality of distinct areas along the longitudinal axis of themagnetically energized inlet conduit segment and magnetically energizedoutlet conduit segment.

Introducing a feed stream comprising a fluid column receptive tomagnetic treatment to port 30 a directs the flow of fluid to passthrough a first area of magnetic treatment concentrated at port 30 a atthe proximal end of magnetically energized inlet conduit segment 30. Theflow may then pass through a second area of magnetic treatmentconcentrated along a path extending through at least one turn of thecoiled electrical conductor encircling the outer surface of magneticallyenergized inlet conduit segment 30 and then pass through a third area ofmagnetic treatment concentrated in the space between port 30 b at thedistal end of the magnetically energized inlet conduit segment and port32 a at the proximal end of the magnetically energized outlet conduitsegment.

The flow may then pass through a fourth area of magnetic treatmentconcentrated along a path extending through at least one turn of thecoiled electrical conductor encircling the outer surface of magneticallyenergized outlet conduit segment 32 and then pass through a fifth areaof magnetic treatment concentrated at port 32 b at the distal end of themagnetically energized outlet conduit segment.

Coupling segment 20 is a first embodiment of a non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit to promote a flow of fluid through themagnetically energized serial coupling of conduit segments, saidcoupling segment comprising a non-magnetically conductive materialdefining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and anouter surface and having inlet port 20 a and outlet port 20 b. Outletport 20 b may be adapted to provide for the fluid impervious connectionwith port 30 a of magnetically energized inlet conduit segment 30 andinlet port 20 a may be adapted to provide for the fluid impervious,non-contiguous connection of the magnetically energized inlet conduitsegment with an additional segment of conduit, said non-contiguousconnection establishing a non-magnetically conductive region providingfor a concentration of magnetic energy at inlet port 30 a of themagnetically energized inlet conduit segment. Further, thenon-contiguous connection between magnetically energized inlet conduitsegment 30 and an additional segment of magnetically conductive conduitestablishes a non-magnetically conductive region providing for anincreased concentration of magnetic energy in the space between themagnetically conductive conduits. An additional non-magneticallyconductive coupling segment may similarly provide for the connection ofport 32 b of magnetically conductive outlet conduit segment 32 with anadditional segment of conduit.

Non-magnetically conductive conduit 21 is a second embodiment of anon-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit to promote a flow offluid through the magnetically energized conduit, said fluid flowconduit comprising a non-magnetically conductive material defining afluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having port 21 a adapted to provide for the fluid imperviousconnection of said fluid flow conduit with port 30 a of magneticallyenergized inlet conduit segment 30, whereby said connection establishesa non-magnetically conductive region providing for a concentration ofmagnetic energy at port 30 a of the magnetically energized inlet conduitsegment. An additional segment of non-magnetically conductive fluid flowconduit may similarly be adapted to provide a fluid imperviousconnection with port 32 b of the magnetically energized outlet conduitsegment.

FIG. 3A shows a first length of electrical conducting material formingfirst coil layer 33 having conductor leads 33 a and 33 b encirclingmagnetically conductive inlet conduit segment 30 and a second length ofelectrical conducting material forming second coil layer 34 havingconductor leads 34 a and 34 b encircling first coil layer 33. A thirdlength of electrical conducting material forming a first coil layer 37having conductor leads 37 a and 37 b is shown encircling coil core 36and a fourth length of electrical conducting material forming secondcoil layer 38 having conductor leads 38 a and 38 b is shown encirclingfirst coil layer 37. Non-magnetic stabilizer 35 is shown disposedbetween the layers of coiled electrical conducting material to maintainthe alignment of the layers.

Coil core 36 is shown sleeving magnetically conductive outlet conduitsegment 32, said coil core comprising a tubular conduit defining aboundary wall with an inner surface and an outer surface and having aport at the proximal end of the tube and a port at the distal end of thetube, the outer surface of said boundary wall adapted to receive thecoiled electrical conductor and the ports at each end of the tube andthe inner surface of said boundary wall adapted to sleeve at least asection of the magnetically conductive conduit, whereby at least asection of the inner surface of the boundary wall of said coil core iscoaxially disposed in substantially concentric surrounding relation toat least a section of the outer surface of the boundary wall of saidmagnetically conductive conduit. The coil core may comprise a length ofmagnetically conductive conduit, or a coil core may comprise anon-magnetically conductive material, such as a film of non-magneticstabilizing material or a non-magnetically conductive tube.

As used herein, means for sleeving the magnetically conductive conduitwithin the coiled electrical conductor may include coiling theelectrical conductor around at least a section of the outer surface ofthe fluid impervious boundary wall of the magnetically conductiveconduit or coiling the electrical conductor around at least a section ofthe outer surface of the boundary wall of a coil core and sleeving atleast a section of the magnetically conductive conduit with the coilcore.

Conductor leads 33 a and 33 b, 34 a and 34 b, 37 a and 37 b and 38 a and38 b may be connected in series or parallel to a least one supply ofelectrical power. Each length of electrical conducting material may alsobe connected separately, or in combination with at least one additionallength of electrical conducting material, to at least one supply ofelectrical power. Energizing the coiled electrical conductor with atleast one supply of electrical power produces an electromagnetic fieldconducted by the magnetically conductive inlet and outlet conduitsegments and concentrated within the inner surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall of each segment of magnetically conductiveconduit, said magnetic field extending beyond each end of themagnetically conductive inlet and outlet conduit segments along thelongitudinal axis of the magnetically energized serial coupling ofconduit segments.

Fluid flow conduit 22 is a third embodiment of a non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit to promote a flow of fluid through theserial coupling of conduit segments, said fluid flow conduit defining asection of conduit within a piping system comprising a non-magneticallyconductive material sleeved by magnetically conductive inlet conduitsegment 30, non-magnetically conductive intermediate conduit segment 31and magnetically conductive outlet conduit segment 32, said fluid flowconduit comprising a length of non-magnetically conductive materialdefining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and anouter surface and having inlet and outlet ports.

Introducing a feed stream to the inlet port of fluid flow conduit 22directs fluid to pass through a first area of magnetic treatmentconcentrated at port 30 a at the proximal end of magnetically energizedconduit 30, a second area of magnetic treatment concentrated along apath extending through at least one turn of electrical conductorencircling the outer surface of magnetically energized inlet conduitsegment 30, a third area of magnetic treatment concentrated in the spacebetween port 30 b at the distal end of the magnetically energized inletconduit segment and port 32 a at the proximal end of the magneticallyenergized outlet conduit segment, a fourth area of magnetic treatmentconcentrated along a path extending through at least one turn ofelectrical conductor encircling the outer surface of magneticallyenergized outlet conduit segment 32 and a fifth area of magnetictreatment concentrated at port 32 b at the distal end of themagnetically energized outlet conduit segment.

A fourth embodiment of the magnetically conductive conduit may comprisea sheet of magnetically conductive material rolled into a plurality oflayers to form a tube defining a boundary wall with an inner surface andan outer surface and having a port at the proximal end of the tube and aport at the distal end of the tube.

A non-magnetic stabilizing material may also be disposed between theouter surface of a magnetically conductive conduit and the coiledelectrical conductor, between the outer surface of a magneticallyconductive conduit and the inner surface of a coil core, or between theouter surface of a coil core and the coiled electrical conductor. Anon-magnetic stabilizing material may envelope the outer layer of acoiled electrical conductor to maintain the alignment of the coil andprotect the coil. The inner and outer surfaces of the fluid imperviousboundary wall of a magnetically conductive conduit may be covered with aprotective coating to prevent corrosion and extend the functional lifeof the conduit. At least one end of the fluid impervious boundary wallof a length of magnetically conductive material comprising themagnetically conductive conduit may be tapered.

The electrical conductor may comprise at least one strand of electricalconducting material, such as a length of wire, or may comprise at leastone sheet of an electrical conducting foil material.

A single length of electrical conducting material may be coiled to format least one layer of coiled electrical conductor, or a first length ofelectrical conducting material may be coiled to form a first layer ofcoiled electrical conductor and a second length of electrical conductingmaterial may be coiled to form a second layer of coiled electricalconductor. A first length of electrical conducting material and a secondlength of electrical conducting material may be coiled in a side-by-sideand substantially parallel orientation to form at least one layer ofcoiled electrical conductor.

A first layer of coiled electrical conductor and a second layer ofcoiled electrical conductor may be coaxially disposed and have aplurality of spacers deployed between said layers to establish radialspacing therebetween. The spacers may be arranged substantially parallelto the longitudinal axis of the magnetically conductive conduit andequidistant to an adjacent spacer to form a pattern of open-air coolingducts extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of themagnetically conductive conduit, said cooling ducts have a property ofacting to dissipate heat from between the first and second coil layers.

A non-contiguous array of a first coil of electrical conducting materialand a second coil of electrical conducting material may sleeve amagnetically conductive conduit or sleeve a coil core. Thenon-contiguous array establishes a space between the first coil and thesecond coil, whereby an open-air cooling duct is formed between thecoils, said cooling duct extending substantially orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the magnetically conductive conduit and having aproperty of dissipating heat from between the coils.

In some instances, at least one length of electrical conductor may becoiled around a doughnut shaped core form a toroidal coil. A toroidalcoil core may comprise a magnetically conductive material or anon-magnetically conductive material. At least one toroidal coil maysleeve at least a section of the outer surface of the fluid imperviousboundary wall of the magnetically conductive conduit or at least asection of the outer surface of the boundary wall of a coil core,whereby said toroidal coil encircles at least a section of saidmagnetically conductive conduit. Energizing said toroidal coil with atleast one electrical power supply having a capacity to produce at leastone distinct programmable output of electrical energy continuouslyswitched on and off at a pulsed repetition rate produces a pulsedmagnetic field having energy substantially confined within the boundarywall of the magnetically conductive conduit.

Energizing the coiled electrical conductor with at least one pulsedoutput of electrical energy provides a number of fluid treatmentbenefits. For example, switching the output of electrical energy to an“off” state for an extended time interval to interrupt the energizing ofthe at least one coiled electrical conductor allows magneticallyconductive debris that may adhere to the inner surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall of a magnetically energized conduit to bedislodged and removed from the conduit by the force of the flow of afluid passing through said conduit.

Embodiments of the magnetically conductive conduit comprising anon-contiguous array of a first segment and a second segment ofmagnetically conductive conduit may be sleeved within a coil encirclingat least a section of the first segment of magnetically conductiveconduit, the non-magnetically conductive region between the magneticallyconductive conduit segments and at least a section of the second segmentof magnetically conductive conduit or a first coil encircling the firstmagnetically conductive conduit segment and a second coil encircling thesecond magnetically conductive conduit segment.

A first non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit may be sleevedwithin the boundary wall of a magnetically energized conduit to direct afirst feed stream to pass through a plurality of distinct areas ofconcentrated magnetic energy and a second section of non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit may be sleeved within the boundary wall ofthe magnetically energized conduit to direct a second feed stream topass through the plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magneticenergy.

The first and second conductor leads of a length of electricalconducting material may be connected to a single supply of electricalpower or connected to a first supply of electrical power and a secondsupply of electrical power. The at least one electrical power supply mayprovide a flow of electrical energy having a constant direct currentcomponent to energize the coiled electrical conductor and produce aconstant magnetic field having energy substantially confined within theboundary wall of the magnetically conductive conduit. In someapplications, the at least one electrical power supply may provide atleast one pulsed output of electrical energy to energize the coiledelectrical conductor and produce a pulsed magnetic field having energysubstantially confined within the boundary wall of the magneticallyconductive conduit. A pulsed output of electrical energy may have adirect current component or an alternating current component.

The polarity of an output of electrical energy having a constant directcurrent component may be programmed to optimize the instant magneticfield treatment device for a specific application. One or more of thepolarity, time interval, repetition rate, direction or amplitude of apulsed output of electrical energy may be programmed to optimize theinstant magnetic field treatment device for a specific application.

One or more of the voltage, current, direction or repetition rate of theflow of electrical energy may be programmable to provide for effectivefluid treatment as the makeup and characteristics of a feedstock change.For example, a first flow of electrical energy having a first set ofelectrical characteristics may be utilized to provide treatment for afirst feedstock having a first makeup, and a second flow of electricalenergy having a second set of electrical characteristics may be used toprovide treatment for a second feedstock having a second makeup.

Increasing the density and thickness of the fluid impervious boundarywall of the magnetically conductive conduit typically results in agreater concentration of magnetic energy at each end of the magneticallyenergized conduit and any non-magnetically conductive regionsestablished between segments of magnetically conductive conduit. Onemeans of increasing the density and thickness of the magneticallyconductive conduit is a fifth embodiment of the magnetically conductiveconduit wherein at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduitis sleeved within another at least one segment of magneticallyconductive conduit. For example, a first segment of conduit comprising amagnetically conductive material may sleeve a second segment of conduitcomprising a magnetically conductive material, whereby at least asection of the inner surface of the boundary wall of said first segmentof magnetically conductive conduit is coaxially disposed insubstantially concentric surrounding relation to at least a section ofthe outer surface of the boundary wall of the second segment ofmagnetically conductive conduit. This effectively increases the densityand thickness of the magnetically conductive conduit.

A first segment of magnetically conductive conduit may also sleeve asecond segment of magnetically conductive conduit and a third segment ofmagnetically conductive conduit. The second and third segments ofmagnetically conductive conduit may establish a non-magneticallyconductive region between the port at the distal end of the secondsegment of magnetically conductive conduit and the port at the proximalend of the third segment of magnetically conductive conduit, whereby atleast a section of the inner surface of the boundary wall of said firstsegment of magnetically conductive conduit may be coaxially disposed insubstantially concentric surrounding relation to at least a section ofthe outer surface of the boundary wall of the second segment ofmagnetically conductive conduit and at least a section of the outersurface of the boundary wall of the third segment of magneticallyconductive conduit.

A first segment of magnetically conductive conduit may also sleeve aserial coupling of a magnetically conductive inlet conduit segment, anon-magnetically conductive intermediate conduit segment and amagnetically conductive outlet conduit segment, whereby at least asection of the inner surface of the boundary wall of said first segmentof magnetically conductive conduit may be coaxially disposed insubstantially concentric surrounding relation to the outer surface ofthe boundary wall of the non-magnetically conductive intermediateconduit segment and at least a section of the outer surface of theboundary wall of the magnetically conductive inlet conduit segment andat least a section of the outer surface of the boundary wall of themagnetically conductive outlet conduit segment. Further, anon-contiguous array of first segment of magnetically conductive conduitsleeving a second segment of magnetically conductive conduit, whereby atleast a section of the inner surface of the boundary wall of said firstsegment of magnetically conductive conduit is coaxially disposed insubstantially concentric surrounding relation to at least a section ofthe outer surface of the boundary wall of the second segment ofmagnetically conductive conduit; and a fourth segment of magneticallyconductive conduit sleeving a third segment of magnetically conductiveconduit, whereby at least a section of the inner surface of the boundarywall of said fourth segment of magnetically conductive conduit iscoaxially disposed in substantially concentric surrounding relation toat least a section of the outer surface of the boundary wall of thethird segment of magnetically conductive conduit, may establish anon-magnetically conductive region between the ports at the distal endof the first and second segments of magnetically conductive conduit andthe ports at the proximal end of the third and fourth segments ofmagnetically conductive conduit.

In large diameter conduits, a magnetically conductive nucleus comprisinga magnetically conductive material having an outer surface may bedeployed within the aperture of a magnetically energized conduit,whereby the inner surface of the boundary wall of said magneticallyenergized conduit is coaxially disposed in substantially concentricsurrounding relation to the outer surface of said magneticallyconductive nucleus. Suspending a magnetically conductive nucleus withinthe aperture of a magnetically energized conduit promotes aconcentration of pulsed magnetic energy across a broader cross sectionof the fluid flow path within the conduit as the inner surface of theboundary wall of the magnetically energized conduit exerts a concentricattraction to the nucleus. Further, suspending a magnetically conductivenucleus within a non-magnetically conductive region established betweensegments of magnetically conductive conduit provides for an even greaterconcentration of pulsed magnetic energy across the cross section of thefluid flow path within the magnetically energized conduit.

A number of variables may be modified to optimize the instant magneticfield treatment device. For example, the size, shape and dimensions ofthe electrical conducting material, the length to diameter ratio of thecoil sleeving the longitudinal axis of the magnetically conductiveconduit and the number of layers of coiled electrical conductor may beadapted to optimize the instant magnetic field treatment device for aspecific application. Other variables may include the size, shape andtypes of materials comprising the conduit and coupling devices, the typeof flow of electrical energy utilized to energize the coiled electricalconductor and the size, shape and composition of materials comprising anenclosure to protect at least the coiled electrical conductor, ifincluded. A coil core comprising a magnetically conductive material maysleeve a magnetically conductive conduit to increase the density andthickness of the magnetically conductive conduit.

The synergy of using magnetic energy concentrated in a plurality ofdistinct areas in concert with at least one region of pulsed fluidtreatment has been discovered to improve a wide variety of fluidtreatment applications.

The electrical energizing unit of the instant pulsed fluid treatmentdevice may establish a pulsed electrical signal having a direct currentcomponent. This may be accomplished through a switching sequencecomprising initially switching an output of electrical energy to an “on”state during a first time interval to energize at least one transducerwith electrical energy flowing from the first conductor lead to thesecond conductor lead, switching said first output of electrical energyto an “off” state to interrupt the energizing of said at least onetransducer, switching an output of electrical energy to the “on” stateduring a second time interval to energize said at least one transducerwith electrical energy flowing from the first conductor lead to thesecond conductor lead, and switching said second output of electricalenergy to the “off” state to interrupt the energizing of said at leastone transducer and causing the switching sequence to repeat at arepetition rate.

The electrical energizing unit may also establish a pulsed electricalsignal having an alternating current component. This may be accomplishedthrough a switching sequence comprising initially switching an output ofelectrical energy to an “on” state during a first time interval toenergize at least one transducer with electrical energy flowing betweenthe first conductor lead to the second conductor lead in a firstdirection, switching said first output of electrical energy to an “off”state to interrupt the energizing of said at least one transducer,reversing the direction of the flow of electrical energy, switching anoutput of electrical energy to the “on” state during a second timeinterval to energize said at least one transducer with electrical energyflowing between the first conductor lead to the second conductor lead ina second direction, switching said second output of electrical energy tothe “off” state to interrupt the energizing of said at least onetransducer and causing the switching sequence to repeat at a repetitionrate.

An electrical energizing unit establishing a pulsed electrical signalhaving an alternating current component may also energize at least onetransducer through a switching sequence comprising initially energizingsaid at least one transducer during a first time interval withelectrical energy flowing between the first conductor lead to the secondconductor lead in a first direction, switching the direction of the flowof electrical energy and energizing said at least one transducer duringa second time interval with electrical energy flowing between the firstconductor lead to the second conductor lead in a second direction andcausing the switching sequence to repeat at a repetition rate.

The electrical energizing unit may have the capacity to vary the timeintervals, repetition rate, direction and amplitude of the pulsedelectrical signal over the operation range of a transducer to moreevenly distribute energy throughout the fluid treatment chamber. Thefirst and second time intervals and the repetition rate may besubstantially constant or one or more of the first and second timeintervals and the repetition rate may be variable. The electricalenergizing unit may have the capacity to vary the pulsed electricalsignal over the operation range of a transducer to more evenlydistribute energy throughout the fluid treatment chamber. The amplitudeof the pulsed electrical signal may be substantially constant orvariable. The electrical energizing unit may generate a variety ofwaveforms including, but not limited to, square waves, sine waves, sawtooth waves, triangle waves or composite waves. At least one of the timeinterval, repetition rate, waveform, wavelength, amplitude or directionof the output of electrical energy may be established according to oneor more of the composition of the fluid, material comprising the fluidtreatment vessel, dimensions of the fluid treatment vessel, embodimentof the at least one transducer, resistance or impedance of the at leastone transducer, means for deploying the at least one transducer,material comprising the at least one shielding material member andconfiguration of the at least one shielding material member.

An electrical energizing unit may energize a single transducer with apulsed electrical signal or energize a first transducer and a secondtransducer with a pulsed electrical signal. The electrical energizingunit may provide a plurality of distinct programmable outputs ofelectrical energy with each output of electrical energy establishing adistinct pulsed electrical signal, wherein a first pulsed electricalsignal may energize a first transducer and a second pulsed electricalsignal may energize a second transducer. The first pulsed electricalsignal may have electrical characteristics substantially equivalent tothe second pulsed electrical signal or the first pulsed electricalsignal may have electrical characteristics distinct from the secondpulsed electrical signal.

In some applications, it may be advantageous to utilize a firstelectrical energizing unit to energize a first transducer with a firstpulsed electrical signal and a second electrical energizing unit toenergize a second transducer with a second pulsed electrical signal. Thesecond electrical energizing unit may establish a second pulsedelectrical signal substantially equivalent in electrical characteristicsto the first pulsed electrical signal or establish a second pulsedelectrical signal having electrical characteristics distinct from thefirst pulsed electrical signal.

The at least one transducer may comprise at least one length ofelectrical conducting material forming at least one antenna. Whenenergized with at least one pulsed electrical signal, the at least oneantenna may produce at least one pulsed electromagnetic wave directingpulsed fluid treatment to at least one distinct region within the fluidtreatment chamber. The at least antenna may be directional oromni-directional in function and enclosed within a housing to protectsaid antenna from corrosive feedstocks and debris in a feed stream thatcould affect the performance of the antenna or destroy the antenna.

As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred means of deploying the at least oneantenna of the instant pulsed fluid treatment device is to dispose theat least one transducer within the fluid impervious boundary wall of thefluid treatment vessel. Fluid treatment vessel 40 is shown enclosingantenna 41 in substantially concentric surrounding relation with thetransducer being coaxially disposed and radially spaced apart from theinner surface of the fluid impervious boundary wall of the fluidtreatment chamber. A feed stream comprising a fluid column receptive topulsed fluid treatment may be introduced to fluid input port 40 a of thefluid treatment vessel to establish a flow of the fluid to be treatedthrough the fluid treatment chamber, then directed to pass through atleast one pulsed electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna. The feedstream may then be discharged from fluid output port 40 b of the fluidtreatment vessel as a processed fluid.

Fluid treatment vessel 40 is also shown enclosing antenna 42 insubstantially eccentric surrounding relation with the transducerdisposed proximate and spaced apart from inner surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall of the fluid treatment chamber, and enclosingantenna 43 in substantially eccentric surrounding relation with thetransducer disposed in fluid communication inner surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall of the fluid treatment chamber.

Antenna 44 is shown extending through the fluid impervious boundary wallof the fluid treatment vessel and into the fluid treatment chamber. Thepreferred means of deploying an antenna in this configuration is todispose the transducer substantially orthogonal to the direction of theflow of fluid through the fluid treatment chamber; however, at least oneantenna may be disposed substantially diagonal to the direction of theflow of fluid through the fluid treatment chamber. First and secondconductor leads 41 a and 41 b, 42 a and 42 b, 43 a and 43 b or 44 a and44 b of a transducer may be connected to at least one electricalenergizing unit to energize a transducer with at least one pulsedelectrical signal and thereby produce pulsed fluid treatment in at leastone region within the fluid treatment chamber.

A fluid treatment vessel comprising a material having a capacity torestrict propagation of at least one pulsed electrical signal may form ashielding material member for the at least one antenna. In suchinstances, the inner surface of the fluid impervious boundary wall ofthe fluid treatment vessel may establish a resonant chamber for at leastone pulsed electromagnetic wave produced by the at least one antenna.

The at least one transducer may comprise at least one magnetostrictiveor at least one piezoelectric transducer. Mounting these types oftransducers to a diaphragm, such as the fluid impervious boundary wall afluid treatment vessel proximate the fluid treatment chamber, andapplying at least one electrical signal to energize the transducerproduces at least one pulsed electromagnetic field that causes themovement of the diaphragm, which in turn causes a pressure wave to betransmitted through fluid within the fluid treatment chamber. Similarly,a transducer enveloped by a material forming a diaphragm and deployedwithin a fluid treatment chamber may cause a pressure wave to betransmitted through fluid within the fluid treatment chamber.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the preferred means for deploying amagnetostrictive or piezoelectric transducer is to affix said transducer45 in fluid communication with the inner surface of the fluid imperviousboundary wall of the fluid treatment vessel 40 proximate the fluidtreatment chamber so that portion of said boundary wall forms adiaphragm. A transducer enveloped by a material forming a diaphragmhaving a capacity to cause a pressure wave to be transmitted throughfluid within the fluid treatment chamber may similarly be deployedwithin the fluid treatment chamber. Some embodiments of fluid treatmentvessel may define a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surfaceand an outer surface and having an input port and an output port. Insuch instances, at least one additional transducer 46 may also bedisposed in fluid communication with the outer surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall of the fluid treatment vessel 40 so thatportion of said boundary wall forms a diaphragm.

First and second conductor leads 45 a and 45 b or 46 a and 46 b may beconnected to at least one electrical energizing unit to energize atransducer. When energized with at least one pulsed electrical signal,at least one pulsed electromagnetic field is generated that has aresonant point and frequency that causes a portion of the transducer tochange shape and initiate the movement of the diaphragm. The pulsedmovement of said diaphragm directs pulsed pressure waves through atleast one distinct region within the fluid treatment chamber. Thephysical mass and shape of a transducer typically determines itsresonant point and the repetition rate at which it will change shape.The inertial mass of a transducer, coupled with the acceleration of thetransducer assembly and its ability to resonate in harmony with thepulsed electrical signal, determine the effectiveness of the pulsedfluid treatment.

The fluid treatment vessel, at least one transducer and at least oneelectrical energizing unit may be enclosed within a single shieldingmaterial member to restrict the radiation of the at least one pulsedelectrical signal, or a shielding material member may enclose anycombination the fluid treatment vessel, at least one transducer and atleast one electrical energizing unit. Each of the fluid treatmentvessel, the at least one transducer and the at least one electricalenergizing unit may be enclosed within distinct and dedicated shieldingmaterial members so that each component may be individually shielded.For example, a length of coaxial cable, comprising an external braid ofwire encircling at least one internal strand of electrical conductingmaterial in substantially concentric surrounding relation, may beutilized as a conductor lead of said transducer and connected to the atleast one shielded electrical energizing unit, wherein the externalbraid of wire forms a shielding material member to restrict theradiation of the at least one pulsed electrical signal transmittedthrough the at least one internal strand of electrical conductor. Othercombinations and embodiments of shielding material members may beutilized.

A treated fluid may receive additional pulsed fluid treatment downstreamof the instant invention. In some instances, at least one antenna may bedisposed in fluid communication with the outer surface of a conduitpromoting the flow of a processed fluid to provide additional pulsedfluid treatment. In other applications, a processed fluid may beretained in a collection basin, settling tank, retention pond or similartype of reservoir to allow for gravity separation of suspended anddissolved solids in the processed fluid column. At least one antenna maybe deployed within said reservoir to direct additional pulsed fluidtreatment to the processed fluid retained within the collection basinprior to discharging the fluid.

The instant invention includes a method of fluid treatment, comprisingthe steps of establishing a flow of a fluid to be treated along a path,the path extending through a fluid entry port at the proximal end of amagnetically conductive conduit having conduit; directing the flow ofthe fluid along a path extending through a treatment vessel having aninput port, a fluid impervious boundary wall downstream of the fluidinlet port and a fluid outlet port downstream of the fluid imperviousboundary wall; establishing a magnetic field having lines of fluxdirected along the flow path of the fluid and concentrated in aplurality of distinct areas along the longitudinal axis of themagnetically conductive conduit; and establishing pulsed fluid treatmentproximate at least one region within the treatment vessel. The instantmethod may further comprise directing the fluid to pass through thefluid treatment vessel prior to passing through the magneticallyconductive conduit.

The instant method may further comprise the step of directing the fluidto pass through at least one non-magnetically conductive fluid flowconduit to promote the flow of a fluid through the magneticallyconductive conduit.

The instant method may further comprise means for deploying at least oneshielding material member to restrict propagation of the at least onepulsed electrical signal, each at least one shielding material memberhaving a capacity to restrict radiation of the at least one pulsedelectrical signal, the at least one shielding material member furtherreducing external interference with the at least one pulsed electricalsignal.

The instant method may further comprise at least one of the steps ofdispersing at least one fluid treatment chemical into the fluid,directing the fluid through at least one contaminant separation processor directing the fluid through at least one fluid flow conditioningprocess.

The instant invention includes an apparatus providing fluid treatment,comprising a magnetic field treatment device comprising a magneticallyconductive conduit to receive a flow of a fluid to be treated along apath extending at least partially through the magnetically conductiveconduit, the magnetically conductive conduit having a fluid entry portat the proximal end of the conduit, at least one fluid imperviousboundary wall downstream of the fluid entry port and a fluid dischargeport at the distal end of the conduit; at least one electrical conductorcomprising at least one length of an electrical conducting materialhaving a first conductor lead and a second conductor lead, theelectrical conductor coiled with at least one turn to form at least oneuninterrupted coil of electrical conductor, each coil forming at leastone layer of coiled electrical conductor; means for sleeving themagnetically conductive conduit within the coiled electrical conductor,whereby at least one turn of electrical conductor encircles at least asection of the outer surface of the magnetically conductive conduit withthe coils oriented substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow; at leastone electrical power supply operably connected to at least one conductorlead, wherein the at least one coiled electrical conductor is energizedto produce a magnetic field having lines of flux directed along thefluid flow path and concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas alongthe longitudinal axis of the magnetically energized conduit; and apulsed fluid treatment device comprising a fluid treatment vessel toreceive a flow of the fluid to be treated, the fluid treatment vesselhaving a fluid input port, a fluid output port, and a fluid imperviousboundary wall disposed therebetween, an inner surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall establishing a fluid treatment chamber; atleast one transducer disposed within at least a portion of the fluidtreatment chamber, the at least one transducer further having means forconnecting to at least one electrical energizing unit, the at least oneelectrical energizing unit providing electrical output at apredetermined pulsed repetition rate to establish a pulsed electricalsignal to energize the at least one transducer and establish pulsedfluid treatment proximate at least one distinct region within thetreatment vessel; means for coupling the magnetic field treatment deviceand the pulsed fluid treatment device for fluid flow between them.

The lines of flux form loops and the magnetic field is of a strengththat allows the flux to extend along the longitudinal axis of themagnetically conductive conduit and concentrate at distinct pointsbeyond each end of each fluid impervious boundary wall such that themagnetic flux extends from a point where the lines of flux concentratebeyond one end of the magnetically conductive conduit, around theperiphery of the coiled electrical conductor along the longitudinal axisof each fluid impervious boundary wall and to a point where the lines offlux concentrate beyond the other end of the magnetically conductiveconduit. Each fluid impervious boundary wall absorbs the magnetic fieldand the magnetic flux loops generated by the coiled electrical conductorat the points of flux concentration.

The instant apparatus may further comprise at least one non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit to promote the flow of a fluid through themagnetically conductive conduit.

The instant apparatus may further comprise a coil core, said coil corecomprising a tubular conduit defining a boundary wall with an innersurface and an outer surface and having a port at the proximal end ofthe tube and a port at the distal end of the tube, the outer surface ofthe boundary wall adapted to receive the coiled electrical conductor andthe ports at each end of the tube and the inner surface of the boundarywall adapted to sleeve at least a section of the outer surface of themagnetically conductive conduit.

The instant apparatus may further comprise at least one magneticallyconductive nucleus disposed within the aperture of the magneticallyconductive conduit.

The instant apparatus may further comprise at least one shieldingmaterial member, each at least one shielding material member having acapacity to restrict radiation of the at least one pulsed electricalsignal, the at least one shielding material member further reducingexternal interference with the at least one pulsed electrical signal.

The instant apparatus may further comprise a fluid treatment vesselcomprising a material having a capacity to restrict propagation of theat least one pulsed electrical signal, the inner surface of the fluidimpervious boundary wall of the fluid treatment vessel establishing aresonant chamber.

The instant apparatus may further comprise at least one chemicaldispersing apparatus, each at least one dispersing apparatus providingmeans for distributing least one fluid treatment chemical into a fluid.The instant apparatus may further comprise at least one contaminantseparation apparatus, each at least one separation apparatus providingmeans for separating and collecting a volume of contaminants from afluid and discharging a processed fluid having a reduced volume ofcontaminants carried within the fluid. The instant apparatus may furthercomprise at least one fluid flow conditioning apparatus, each at leastone fluid conditioning apparatus providing means for altering the flowof a fluid.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of magnetic flux loops 17 generated by energizedcoil 54 encircling coil core 54 c, with the coil core shown sleeving asection of magnetically energized conduit 53. Operably connecting firstconductor lead 54 a and second conductor lead 54 b to at least onesupply of electrical power energizes the coiled electrical conductor andproduces an electromagnetic field conducted by the magneticallyconductive conduit and concentrated within the inner surface of thefluid impervious boundary wall of the conduit. However, to provideeffective magnetic fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points,the magnetic field must be of sufficient strength to extend beyond theends of the length of the conduit. Magnetic flux loops 17 are shownconsolidated at a point beyond inlet port 55 of magnetically energizedconduit 53, flowing around the periphery of continuous coil 54 along thelongitudinal axis of the conduit and reconsolidating at a point beyondoutlet port 56 at the other end of the conduit. The magnetic fieldabsorbed by magnetically conductive conduit 53 and the magnetic fluxloops generated by the energized coil tend to concentrate in threedistinct regions along a path extending through of the conduit; at inletport 55, along the path extending through and substantially orthogonalto each turn of electrical conductor forming the energized coil 54surrounding a section of the outer surface of conduit 53 and at outletport 56. A fluid directed along a flow path extending through thesethree regions may receive magnetic treatment at a plurality of distinctpoints.

FIG. 6 shows a non-contiguous array of first magnetically conductiveconduit 30 and second magnetically conductive conduit 32. Fluid flowconduit 22, comprising a length of non-magnetically conductive materialdefining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and anouter surface and having a fluid entry port at one end of the conduitand a fluid discharge port at the other end of the conduit, is shownextending through fluid entry port 30 a at the proximal end ofmagnetically conductive conduit 30 and fluid discharge port 32 b at adistal end of the magnetically conductive conduit 32 to establish a flowpath for a fluid to be treated through the non-contiguous array ofmagnetically conductive conduits.

An electrical conductor comprising a first length of an electricalconducting material having first conductor lead 33 a and secondconductor lead 33 b forms first coil layer 33 encircling coil core 36, asecond length of an electrical conducting material having firstconductor lead 34 a and second conductor lead 34 d forms second coillayer 34 encircling coil core 36, a third length of an electricalconducting material having first conductor lead 37 a and secondconductor lead 37 b forms first coil layer 37 encircling coil core 36and a fourth length of an electrical conducting material having firstconductor lead 38 a and second conductor lead 38 b forms second coillayer 38 encircling coil core 36. Coil core 36 is shown sleeving asection of the outer surface of magnetically conductive conduit 30 andcoil core 36 is shown sleeving a section of the outer surface ofmagnetically conductive conduit 32. A thin sheet of a non-magneticallyconductive material 35 is shown disposed between the first and secondlayers of electrical conductor encircling the coil cores to maintain thealignment of the coil layers. At least one electrical power supply maybe operably connected to at least one conductor lead to energize thecoiled electrical conductor to produce a magnetic field having lines offlux directed along the fluid flow path.

Fluid flowing through non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit 22may be directed to pass through a plurality of distinct areas ofconcentrated magnetic energy provided by the non-contiguous array ofmagnetically conductive conduits; a first region of fluid treatment inthe magnetic field concentrated at inlet port 30 a, a second region ofmagnetic treatment as the fluid is directed along a path extendingthrough and substantially orthogonal to each turn of the electricalconductor forming the coils 33 and 34 encircling magnetically conductiveconduit 30, a third region of magnetic treatment in the space betweenoutlet port 30 b and inlet port 32 a, a fourth region of magnetictreatment along a path extending through and substantially orthogonal toeach turn of the electrical conductor forming coils 37 and 38 encirclingthe outer surface of magnetically conductive conduit 32 and a fifthregion of magnetic treatment concentrated at outlet port 32 b.

Increasing the density and thickness of the fluid impervious boundarywall of the magnetically conductive conduit typically results in agreater concentration of magnetic energy at each end of a magneticallyenergized conduit and any non-magnetically conductive regionsestablished between magnetically conductive conduits. FIG. 7 is anexploded view of first magnetically conductive conduit 53 comprising afluid impervious boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having a fluid entry port at one end of the conduit andfluid discharge port at the other end of the conduit adapted to sleevesecond magnetically conductive conduit 18. Electrical conductor 54 isshown encircling coil core 54 c. Coil core 54 c is shown sleeving asection of conduit 53 so that an uninterrupted coil of electricalconductor encircles a section of conduit 53.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of first magnetically conductive conduit 53adapted to sleeve the non-contiguous array of second length ofmagnetically conductive conduit 18 and third length of magneticallyconductive conduit 18 a. Electrical conductor 54 is shown encirclingcoil core 54 c. Coil core 54 c is shown sleeving a section of conduit 53so that an uninterrupted coil of electrical conductor encircles asection of conduit 53. FIG. 7B is an exploded view of first magneticallyconductive conduit 53 adapted to sleeve the serial coupling ofmagnetically conductive inlet conduit 18, non-magnetically conductiveconduit 18 b and magnetically conductive outlet conduit 18 a. Electricalconductor 54 is shown encircling coil core 54 c. Coil core 54 c is shownsleeving a section of conduit 53 so that an uninterrupted coil ofelectrical conductor encircles a section of conduit 53.

FIG. 8 shows second magnetically conductive conduit 18 being insertedinto first magnetically conductive conduit 53. Electrical conductor 54is shown encircling coil core 54 c, with the coil core sleeving asection of conduit 53. A non-contiguous array of a first length ofmagnetically conductive conduit and a second length of magneticallyconductive conduit or a serial coupling of a magnetically conductiveinlet conduit, a non-magnetically conductive conduit and a magneticallyconductive outlet conduit may be similarly inserted into firstmagnetically conductive conduit 53 wherein at least one segment ofmagnetically conductive conduit is sleeved within another at least onesegment of magnetically conductive conduit.

FIG. 9 shows magnetically conductive nucleus 39 comprising amagnetically conductive material having an outer surface deployed withinthe aperture of non-magnetically conductive conduit 18 b of a serialcoupling of conduit segments, whereby the inner surface of the boundarywalls of the magnetically conductive conduits 18 and 18 a are coaxiallydisposed in substantially concentric surrounding relation to the outersurface of said magnetically conductive nucleus. Magnetically conductiveinlet conduit 18 is shown upstream of non-magnetically conductiveconduit 18 b and magnetically conductive outlet conduit 18 a is showndownstream of non-magnetically conductive conduit 18 b.

FIG. 10 shows magnetically conductive nucleus 39 comprising amagnetically conductive material having an outer surface deployed withinthe aperture of non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit 29,whereby the inner surface of the boundary walls of the magneticallyconductive conduits 18 and 18 a are coaxially disposed in substantiallyconcentric surrounding relation to the outer surface of the magneticallyconductive nucleus.

Directing a feed stream to pass through the plurality of distinct areasof concentrated magnetic energy and at least one region of pulsed fluidtreatment of the instant invention may neutralize the electrical chargesof many suspended and dissolved solid contaminants in the feedstock,render them non-adhesive and enhance the clarification of the fluid.Water utilized as a heat transfer medium in thermal exchange systems,such as boilers, heat exchangers or cooling towers, may be directedthrough the concentrated magnetic energy and pulsed fluid treatment ofthe instant invention to retard the formation of scale and other heatinsulating deposits in such thermal exchange systems. Directing seawater through the plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magneticenergy and at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment of the instantinvention may be utilized improve the desalination of sea water andreverse osmosis systems. The instant invention may also be utilized toreduce the surface tension of irrigation water to allow for betterpenetration of the soil to feed the roots of plants.

Energized antennas, magnetostrictive transducers or piezoelectrictransducers typically generate alternating positive and negativepressure waves that tend to tear fluids apart and create vacuum cavitiesthat form micron-size bubbles. These bubbles continue to grow under theinfluence of the alternating positive and negative pressure waves untilthey reach a resonant size where they then collapse, or implode, under aforce known as cavitation. Imploding bubbles form jets of plasma havingextremely high temperatures that travel at high rates of speed forrelatively short distances.

Energy released from a single cavitation bubble is extremely small, butthe cavitation of millions of bubbles every second has a cumulativeeffect throughout the fluid as the pressure, temperature and velocity ofthe jets of plasma destroy many contaminants in a fluid. The resonantfrequency of an energized transducer typically determines the size andmagnitude of the cavitation bubbles, with the number of cavities formedtypically increasing as the frequency increases.

Lower frequencies tend to create larger bubbles with more energy as theavailable power is concentrated in fewer bands of pulsed fluidtreatment, while higher frequencies tend to produce smaller bubbles thatdistribute power more evenly throughout the fluid treatment chamber.Typically, a heavier transducer accelerating at a high repetition ratewill produce more effective pulsed fluid treatment than a lightertransducer accelerating at a low repetition rate. Slight shifts in theresonant frequency of a transducer are preferred to enhance fluidtreatment and the repetition rate of the electrical signal may beprogrammed to automatically vary on a constant basis. For example, atransducer designed to operate at 20 kHz may be driven by an electricalenergizing unit sweeping 19-21 kHz to transform electrical energy into asignal suitable for generating fluid cavitation.

The physical properties of high density, low viscosity, middle rangesurface tension and middle range vapor pressure are ideal conditions forcavitation, with surface tension being a significant factor indetermining the intensity of bubble cavitation. Feed streams thattypically require a wetting agent to reduce the surface tension of afeed stock may be exposed to a plurality of distinct areas ofconcentrated magnetic energy upstream of the fluid treatment chamber toprovide the desired reduction in the surface tension of the feed stream.

In certain applications, diffused ambient air or other forms of smallbubbles may be introduced immediately upstream of the fluid treatmentchamber to assist in initiating the cavitation process. Electrolysis ofa feedstock may also be utilized to generate small bubbles in a feedstream by energizing at least one pair of electrodes with electricalenergy. An electrode may comprise an electrical conducting materialhaving at least one conductor lead, each pair of electrodes configuredas a substantially parallel array of spaced-apart plates interleaving toform at least one cavity between the facing surfaces of adjacent plates.

Each electrode plate may be energized with an electrical charge oppositefrom its adjacent plate. The conductivity of a feedstock typicallyinfluences the voltage required to maintain the level of currentrequired to energize the electrodes. Electron flow between the chargedplates, along with electromagnetic field generation, releases oxygen andhydrogen bubbles from many water-based feedstocks that may be useful ininitiating the cavitation process. Electrodes may be energized withelectrical energy having an alternating current component or a directcurrent component. When energizing electrodes with electrical energyhaving a direct current component, the polarity of the signal applied tosuch electrodes may be periodically reversed to reduce the plating ofcontaminants on the surfaces of the electrodes. In certain applications,a pulsed fluid treatment device or a magnetic field treatment device maybe configured upstream of the electrodes to retard plating of theelectrodes.

Most biological contaminants regulate their water intake through osmosisvia the electrical charge of fats and proteins in their surfacemembranes. Directing biological contaminants to pass through the instantinvention may overwhelm the electrical fields and charges in the surfacemembranes of these microorganisms and drive them to an imbalanced state,weakening their cell walls and destroying the membranes. Unlike chemicaltreatment and other means of controlling many biological contaminants,many organisms may not develop immunity to the instant method of fluidtreatment. The additional use of charged electrodes may provide evenmore effective means of destroying biological contaminants in fluids.

The instant invention may be utilized to break many oil/water emulsions.The concentrated magnetic energy of the magnetic field treatment devicemay be used to reduce the surface charges of small oil dropletssuspended in the water and enhance their interfacial tension so that thewater repels the oil and the oil repels the water. In instances where atleast one electrical power supply provides at least one pulsed output ofelectrical energy to produce a pulsed magnetic field, the concentratedareas of pulsed magnetic energy may be used to agitate the interfacebetween the water and oil droplets and puncture the bond creating theemulsion to allow small oil droplets to coalesce into larger droplets.Larger oil droplets may then float out of the water and be removed byseparation apparatus. Treatment provided by the fluid treatment devicemay be utilized to neutralize the charges of many suspended anddissolved solid contaminants that tend to stabilize emulsions. Pulsedfluid treatment may be further utilized to direct alternating pressurewaves through a mixture of oil and water to disrupt the stability of theemulsion and allow small oil droplets to coalesce into larger oildroplets, float out of the water and be removed by separation apparatus.

Similarly, water may be removed from hydrocarbon fluids. At least onepair of charged electrodes may be utilized in concert with the instantinvention to break many of the bonds that tend to create many types ofemulsions.

Coagulating chemicals are typically used to neutralize the electricalcharges of particles suspended in a fluid column. Directing a feedstockto pass through the instant invention may cause suspended and dissolvedcontaminants in a feed stream to be repelled from the fluid andfacilitate removal of solid contaminants, and may thereby reduce theamount of coagulants required for adequate processing of a fluid.Flocculants are commonly injected into wastewater sludge upstream ofdewatering equipment and mixed into a feedstock to promote theaggregation of finely dispersed solids suspended in wastewater intoparticles large enough to be removed by physical separation.Pretreatment of wastewater by the instant invention may result in areduction of the amount of flocculating polymer required for processinga feed stream while simultaneously generating drier solids and clearerfiltrate discharged from dewatering equipment.

At least one chemical dispersing apparatus providing means fordistributing a supply of at least one fluid treatment chemical into afluid directed to pass through a treatment device may be utilized todisperse a supply of at least one chemical into a feed stream upstreamof the magnetic field treatment device, downstream of the magnetic fieldtreatment device, upstream of the pulsed fluid treatment device ordownstream of the pulsed fluid treatment device. Fluid treatmentchemicals may be selected from a group consisting of, but not limitedto, algaecides, biocides, scale retardants, coagulants, flocculants,pesticides, fertilizers, coolants, air, oxygen, hydrogen, ozone,hydrogen peroxide, surfactants, petroleum production fluid additives,fuel additives and lubricant additives. As used herein, chargedelectrodes generating oxygen and hydrogen bubbles in the electrolysis ofwater-based feedstocks may comprise a chemical dispersing apparatus.

In some instances, chemical pretreatment may hamper the efficiency ofseparation apparatus, such as screening devices that tend to blind offwith chemically treated feedstocks, and hydrocyclones, desanders anddesilters. Improved removal of suspended and dissolved solidcontaminants from a fluid may be achieved by directing a feed streamfree of coagulants or flocculants to pass through the instant inventionupstream of such apparatus to enhance the separation of solids from thefluid.

At least one contaminant separation apparatus providing means forseparating and collecting a volume of contaminants from a fluid anddischarging a processed feed stream having a reduced volume ofcontaminants carried within a treated fluid column may be utilized totreat a feed stream upstream of the magnetic field treatment device,downstream of the magnetic field treatment device, upstream of thepulsed fluid treatment device or downstream of the pulsed fluidtreatment device. Contaminant separation apparatus may be selected froma group consisting of, but not limited to, phase separation systems,solids separation equipment, dewatering devices, oil/water separators,petroleum production equipment, petroleum refining systems, waterfilters, desalination equipment, reverse osmosis systems, fuel filtersand lubricant filters.

At least one fluid flow conditioning apparatus providing means foraltering the flow of a fluid directed to pass through a treatment devicemay be utilized to alter the flow of a feed stream upstream of thepulsed fluid treatment device or downstream of the pulsed fluidtreatment device. Fluid conditioning apparatus may be selected from agroup consisting of, but not limited to, pumps, blowers, vortex inducingequipment, static mixing devices and dynamic mixing apparatus to createturbulence in a flow of fluid or laminar flow conditioners to removeturbulence from a flow of fluid.

Thus, the instant invention includes a method of fluid treatmentcomprising the steps of establishing a flow of a fluid to be treatedalong a path, the path extending through a magnetically conductiveconduit; directing the flow of the fluid along a path extending througha treatment vessel; establishing a magnetic field having lines of fluxdirected along the fluid flow path and concentrated in a plurality ofdistinct areas along the longitudinal axis of the magnetically energizedconduit; and establishing pulsed fluid treatment proximate at least oneregion within the treatment vessel. The instant method may furthercomprise directing the fluid to pass through the fluid treatment vesselprior to passing through the magnetically conductive conduit.

The instant method may further comprise the step of directing the fluidto pass through at least one non-magnetically conductive fluid flowconduit to promote the flow of a fluid through the magneticallyconductive conduit.

The instant method may further comprise means for deploying at least oneshielding material member to restrict propagation of the at least onepulsed electrical signal, each at least one shielding material memberhaving a capacity to restrict radiation of the at least one pulsedelectrical signal, the at least one shielding material member furtherreducing external interference with the at least one pulsed electricalsignal.

Further, the instant invention includes an apparatus providing fluidtreatment comprising a magnetic field treatment device comprising amagnetically conductive conduit to receive a flow of a fluid to betreated along a path extending at least partially through themagnetically conductive conduit, at least one electrical conductorcomprising at least one length of an electrical conducting materialhaving a first conductor lead and a second conductor lead, theelectrical conductor coiled with at least one turn to form at least oneuninterrupted coil of electrical conductor, each coil forming at leastone layer of coiled electrical conductor; means for sleeving themagnetically conductive conduit within the coiled electrical conductor,whereby at least one turn of electrical conductor encircles at least asection of the outer surface of the magnetically conductive conduit withthe coils oriented substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow; at leastone electrical power supply operably connected to at least one conductorlead, wherein the at least one coiled electrical conductor is energizedto produce a magnetic field having lines of flux directed along thefluid flow path and concentrated in a plurality of distinct areas alongthe longitudinal axis of the magnetically energized conduit; and apulsed fluid treatment device comprising a fluid treatment vessel toreceive a flow of a fluid to be treated, the fluid treatment vesselhaving a fluid treatment chamber disposed therein; at least onetransducer disposed within at least a portion of the fluid treatmentchamber, the at least one transducer further having means for connectingto at least one electrical energizing unit, the at least one electricalenergizing unit providing electrical output at a predetermined pulsedrepetition rate to establish a pulsed electrical signal to energize theat least one transducer and establish pulsed fluid treatment proximateat least one distinct region within the treatment vessel; and means forcoupling the magnetic field treatment device and the pulsed fluidtreatment device for fluid flow between them.

The instant apparatus may further comprise at least one non-magneticallyconductive fluid flow conduit to promote the flow of a fluid through themagnetically conductive conduit.

The instant apparatus may further comprise a magnetically conductiveconduit selected from a group including a length of magneticallyconductive material defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with aninner surface and an outer surface and having a port at the proximal endof the conduit and a port at the distal end of the conduit, anon-contiguous array of a first length of magnetically conductiveconduit and a second length of magnetically conductive conduit, a serialcoupling of a magnetically conductive inlet conduit, a non-magneticallyconductive conduit and a magnetically conductive outlet conduit and atleast one segment of magnetically conductive conduit sleeved withinanother at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduit.

The instant apparatus may further comprise a coil core, the outersurface of the coil core adapted to receive the coiled electricalconductor and the ports at each end of the coil core and the innersurface of the coil core adapted to sleeve at least a section of theouter surface of the magnetically conductive conduit. The instantapparatus may further comprise at least one magnetically conductivenucleus disposed within the aperture of the magnetically conductiveconduit.

The instant apparatus may further comprise means for deploying at leastone shielding material member to restrict propagation of the at leastone pulsed electrical signal, each at least one shielding materialmember having a capacity to restrict radiation of the at least onepulsed electrical signal, the at least one shielding material memberfurther reducing external interference with the at least one pulsedelectrical signal.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been for thepurpose of explanation and illustration. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the essence and scope of the present invention. Forexample, additional embodiments of energized coils may be utilized toinduce a magnetic field for fluid treatment. Therefore, it iscontemplated that the appended claims will cover any modifications orembodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing magnetic fluidtreatment, comprising: a serial coupling of conduit segments, the serialcoupling forming a conduit having a fluid entry port, a fluid imperviousboundary wall and a fluid discharge port defining a fluid imperviousflow path through the conduit, at least two of the conduit segmentsconstructed of a magnetically conductive material and at least one ofthe conduit segments constructed of a non-magnetically conductivematerial, each conduit segment defining a fluid impervious boundary wallwith an inner surface and an outer surface and having a fluid entry portat one end of the conduit segment and a fluid discharge port at theother end of the conduit segment, each magnetically conductive conduitsegment establishing a magnetically conductive region and eachnon-magnetically conductive conduit segment establishing anon-magnetically conductive region wherein at least one non-magneticallyconductive conduit segment is positioned between two magneticallyconductive conduit segments; and at least one electrical conductorcomprising at least one length of an electrical conducting materialhaving a first conductor lead and a second conductor lead, theelectrical conductor coiled with at least one turn to form at least oneuninterrupted coil of electrical conductor encircling at least a sectionof the outer surface of the serial coupling of conduit segments andoriented substantially orthogonal to the fluid flow path, whereinenergizing the at least one electrical conductor establishes a magneticfield having lines of flux directed along the flow path and concentratedin the non-magnetically conductive area between the fluid entry port andthe fluid discharge port of the conduit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein at least one electrical conductor is coiled around the outersurface of at least one magnetically conductive conduit segment.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one electrical conductor iscoiled around the outer surface of at least two magnetically conductiveconduit segments.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a firstelectrical conductor forms at least one uninterrupted coil of electricalconductor encircling at least a section of the outer surface of a firstmagnetically conductive conduit segment and a second electricalconductor forms at least one uninterrupted coil of electrical conductorencircling at least a section of the outer surface of a secondmagnetically conductive conduit segment.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising at least one coil core, said coil core comprising atubular conduit defining a boundary wall with an inner surface and anouter surface and having a port at a proximal end of the tubular conduitand a port at a distal end of the tubular conduit, the outer surface ofthe boundary wall receiving the at least one coiled electrical conductorand the ports at the proximal and distal ends of the tubular conduit andthe inner surface of the boundary wall sleeving at least a section ofthe outer surface of the serial coupling of conduit segments.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two magneticallyconductive conduit segments has a tapered end, said tapered end orientedto form a coupling between the at least one of the two magneticallyconductive conduit segments and a non-magnetically conductive conduitsegment.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least onemagnetically conductive sleeving conduit, each at least one magneticallyconductive sleeving conduit comprising a magnetically conductivematerial having a boundary wall with an inner surface and an outersurface and having a port at one end of the magnetically conductivesleeving conduit and port at the other end of the magneticallyconductive sleeving conduit sleeving the serial coupling of conduitsegments, whereby at least a section of the inner surface of theboundary wall of the magnetically conductive sleeving conduit iscoaxially disposed in substantially concentric surrounding relation toat least a section of the outer surface of the boundary wall of at leastone magnetically conductive conduit segment in the serial coupling ofconduit segments.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least asection of the inner surface of the boundary wall of the magneticallyconductive sleeving conduit is coaxially disposed in substantiallyconcentric surrounding relation to at least a section of the outersurface of the boundary wall of a first segment of the magneticallyconductive conduit segments, the outer surface of the boundary wall ofthe non-magnetically conductive conduit segment and at least a sectionof the outer surface of the boundary wall of a second segment of themagnetically conductive conduit segments in the serial coupling ofconduit segments.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least asection of the inner surface of the boundary wall of a firstmagnetically conductive sleeving conduit is coaxially disposed insubstantially concentric surrounding relation to at least a section ofthe outer surface of the boundary wall of a first magneticallyconductive conduit segment in the serial coupling of conduit segmentsand at least a section of the inner surface of the boundary wall of asecond magnetically conductive sleeving conduit is coaxially disposed insubstantially concentric surrounding relation to at least a section ofthe outer surface of the boundary wall of a second magneticallyconductive conduit segment in the serial coupling of conduit segments.10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the outer surface of at least onemagnetically conductive sleeving conduit is encircled by the at leastone coiled electrical conductor.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising at least one coil core encircled by the at least one coiledelectrical conductor, and wherein at least a section of the innersurface of the boundary wall of at least one coil core is coaxiallydisposed in substantially concentric surrounding relation to at least asection of the outer surface of the boundary wall of a magneticallyconductive sleeving conduit.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one nucleus having an outer surface, said nucleusdisposed within the serial coupling of conduit segments.
 13. Anapparatus for providing magnetic fluid treatment, comprising: a serialcoupling of conduit segments, the serial coupling forming a conduithaving a fluid entry port, a fluid impervious boundary wall and a fluiddischarge port defining a fluid impervious flow path through theconduit, at least two of the conduit segments constructed of amagnetically conductive material and at least one of the conduitsegments constructed of a non-magnetically conductive material, eachconduit segment defining a fluid impervious boundary wall with an innersurface and an outer surface and having a fluid entry port at one end ofthe conduit segment and a fluid discharge port at the other end of theconduit segment, each magnetically conductive conduit segmentestablishing a magnetically conductive region and each non-magneticallyconductive conduit segment establishing a non-magnetically conductiveregion wherein at least one non-magnetically conductive conduit segmentis positioned between two magnetically conductive conduit segments; andat least one electrical conductor comprising at least one length of anelectrical conducting material having a first conductor lead and asecond conductor lead, the electrical conductor coiled with at least oneturn to form at least one uninterrupted coil of electrical conductorencircling at least a section of the outer surface of the serialcoupling of conduit segments, wherein energizing the at least oneelectrical conductor establishes a magnetic field having lines of fluxdirected along the flow path and concentrated in the non-magneticallyconductive area between the fluid entry port and the fluid dischargeport of the conduit.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least oneelectrical conductor is coiled around the outer surface of at least onemagnetically conductive conduit segment.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein at least one electrical conductor is coiled around the outersurface of at least two magnetically conductive conduit segments. 16.The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a first electrical conductor forms atleast one uninterrupted coil of electrical conductor encircling at leasta section of the outer surface of a first magnetically conductiveconduit segment and a second electrical conductor forms at least oneuninterrupted coil of electrical conductor encircling at least a sectionof the outer surface of a second magnetically conductive conduitsegment.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least onecoil core, said coil core comprising a tubular conduit defining aboundary wall with an inner surface and an outer surface and having aport at a proximal end of the tubular conduit and a port at a distal endof the tubular conduit, the outer surface of the boundary wall receivingthe at least one coiled electrical conductor and the ports at theproximal and distal ends of the tubular conduit and the inner surface ofthe boundary wall sleeving at least a section of the outer surface ofthe serial coupling of conduit segments.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein at least one of the two magnetically conductive conduit segmentshas a tapered end, said tapered end oriented to form a coupling betweenthe at least one of the two magnetically conductive conduit segments anda non-magnetically conductive conduit segment.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 13, further comprising at least one chemical dispersing apparatuscoupled to the serial coupling of conduit segments upstream of theserial coupling of conduit segments.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13,further comprising at least one chemical dispersing apparatus coupled tothe serial coupling of conduit segments downstream of the serialcoupling of conduit segments.
 21. The apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising at least one separation apparatus coupled to the serialcoupling of conduit segments upstream of the serial coupling of conduitsegments.
 22. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least oneseparation apparatus coupled to the serial coupling of conduit segmentsdownstream of the serial coupling of conduit segments.
 23. The apparatusof claim 13, further comprising at least one flow conditioning apparatuscoupled to the serial coupling of conduit segments upstream of theserial coupling of conduit segments.
 24. The apparatus of claim 13,further comprising at least one flow conditioning apparatus coupled tothe serial coupling of conduit segments downstream of the serialcoupling of conduit segments.